Spied: 2012 BMW M5

The new BMW M5 is less than a year away from its world debut and test mules continue to be spotted throughout Germany. 2012 BMW …

The new BMW M5 is less than a year away from its world debut and test mules continue to be spotted throughout Germany. 2012 BMW M5 will be not only one of the most aggressive and the fastest M to date, but also the “greener” M to date. BMW plans to use several new technologies and a KERS system that will put the new M5 ahead of the current model, both in performance and fuel efficiency.

The typical M5 and BMW M aerodynamic features are featured on the car. With the new 5er central grille being much larger, the central intake size has been diminished. Wheel arches are swollen to add some mass on the F10’s athletic body. A side air intake is placed underneath the character line which climaxes at the wheel arch. The side skirts are more sculptured allowing for good aerodynamics.

At the rear-end, the typical quad exhausts remain with a sculpted diffuser and central intake. A small bootlid spoiler allows the car to remain understated and restrained.

The M5 will inherit a dual clutch transmission which will be unique to the M5, based upon the 7-Speed transmission currently found in the M3. 8-Speed unit will also be available and will be equipped with a stop-start control. The DCT will be operated with steering wheel mounted shifting paddles. The new M5, although not from the beginning, will also be available with optional Carbon Fiber brakes.

The 2012 BMW M5 is powered by an updated version of the engine found in the BMW X5 M and X6 M. The 4.4-liter V8 twin-scroll powerplant will peak at 578-horsepower and 530 lb-ft of torque. The 0-62 mph dash should take about 4.4 seconds, even though we expect to see lower track times. If the final horsepower numbers will stand, then the new M5 will have 60 horsepower more than the Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG and similar output as the Audi RS6.

A report published by Autocar UK and citing Albert Biermann, head of development at M Division, said that the decision to replace the naturally aspirated engine with a turbo powerplant was influenced by BMW’s aggressive plans to cut fuel consumption as part of the EfficientDynamics program.

To keep the weight down, BMW will make extensive use of carbon-fiber and aluminum parts, starting with the a carbon-fiber roof. The car’s construction will be a hybrid of an aluminum spaceframe for the front section and a traditional steel monocoque for the passenger compartment and rear. Up front will be an independent suspension with MacPherson struts, with a multi-link layout for the rear.

For the first time, the 2012 BMW M5 will sport a carbon-fiber roof. To keep the weight down in this slightly larger model, BMW will make extensive use of carbon-fiber and aluminum parts. The car’s construction will be a hybrid of an aluminum spaceframe for the front section and a traditional steel monocoque for the passenger compartment and rear.

The newly unveiled wind tunnel in Munich will play an important role in the aerodynamics of the new M5. The car will get Active Aerodynamics, which blanks off parts of the grille and cooling intakes during warm-up and under light throttle load.